Relevant Rescues, Shelters and Programs

Arizona

1.  Medical Animals in Need (MAIN) is a Phoenix based 501(c)3 all-volunteer group focused on identifying, transporting, aiding and promoting animals from Arizona shelters who need immediate and sometimes costly medical attention that the shelters are unable to provide. The rescued animals are then treated at Bethany Animal Hospital and placed in foster homes.
2. RESCUE is a registered non-profit, volunteer driven, no-kill animal rescue organization located in Maricopa County. They have no central facility but focus on euthanasia list rescue from county shelters. Their motto is “for every animal adopted, we are back to rescue another” and they have done exactly this, rescuing over 10,000 animals since 1995. At any one time RESCUE has between 20-30 dogs and 30-40 cats in their system, the majority of which reside in foster homes, while a few are in leased boarding facilities.

California:

1. San Francisco SPCA is a community-supported non-profit dedicated to saving, protecting and caring for cats and dogs. They do this through immediate care of animals that are ill, homeless, or in need of an advocate. They also work to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying/neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their companions.
2. The Bill Foundation is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization working to rescue as many dogs as possible to alleviate the suffering of those abandoned on the streets or in shelters. They strive to provide the highest standard of veterinary care and training until the dogs are adopted into loving homes. They also are dedicated to creating a community of likeminded organizations working together to end abandonment, abuse and overpopulation.
3. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) saves the lives of cats and dogs who have run out of time at public shelters, giving them loving care and another chance at life until a new home can be found. They also have many innovative programs bringing people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.
4. The Milo Foundation was named after an Australian Shepherd, Milo, who motivated founder Lynne Tingle to become passionate about providing a good life and a home for many animals in need. The Milo Foundation is an established 501(c)3 nonprofit, no-kill organization providing an alternative for homeless pets throughout northern California through education, adoption services and providing sanctuary at the organization’s 283 acre property until a permanent home is found.
5. START (Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in May 2011 by a group of active and concerned animal lovers. START was formed to address the overpopulation problems and prevent the thousands of pets euthanized yearly in Southern California. They do this by providing transportation from high kill shelters in Central and Southern California to rescue organizations in the Northwest, where they are re-homed, and by providing free spay/neuter clinics in local communities.
6. The Rescue Train is a no-kill rescue organization located in Ventura, CA dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats off the streets and from local shelters before they are euthanized and finding them loving homes. They also provide veterinary care and rehabilitation for animals with medical needs and obedience training where necessary to prepare pets for homes. They also conduct spay/neuter education to reduce pet overpopulation.

Colorado

1. National Mill Dog Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home discarded breeding dogs and to educate the public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.  They are located in Peyton, Colorado and have rescued nearly 8,000 dogs in the 5 years since they were founded. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
2. MaxFund is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization in Denver, Colorado, founded by Dr. Bill Suro and his wife Nancy to address the increasing number of animals in need of medical care with no known owner. The organization is named after Max, the first pet rescued after being hit by a car. They continue to stray save dogs and cats that are injured or have medical needs, providing them with needed medical care and shelter and facilitating adoption.

Florida

1. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue organization providing shelter, care and affection to homeless dogs of all breeds and adopting them into loving homes. They also provide animal welfare and celebrate the special bond between dogs and families through education, awareness and community outreach.

Georgia

1. Lifeline Animal Project is located in Avondale Estates, in Atlanta, Georgia and is working to make Atlanta a lifesaving community. They are the largest low-cost spay/neuter resource in the region and the provider for more than 50 shelters, rescue groups and spay/neuter assistance programs. They have performed more than 55,000 surgeries to date, targeting the root cause of pet overpopulation. The rehabilitation program at their no-kill shelter focuses on dogs and cats that others don’t want and who require extra care because they suffer from illness, cruelty or neglect. They now manage Fulton County Animal Services, successfully doubling the live release rate there. They will soon also manage Dekalb Animal Services.

Illinois

1. Felines and Canines started in 1977, originally rescuing Chicago area cats. They only recently expanded to include dogs, adding several dog suites. The new space gives dogs a roomier and brighter place to live while waiting for new homes. Volunteers also work with them to get them ready for adoption.
2. Hope Animal Rescues is an Illinois, state licensed, non-profit, no-kill animal rescue. They began in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, after observing the suffering of the animals. They have been dedicated to rescuing animals since then, even on animals’ last day of life before euthanasia. Their goals are to promote spay/neuter, stop the use of the gas chambers to kill homeless pets, and to educate people on how to treat animals with dignity and respect.
3. Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS) is a no-kill shelter of hope for hopeless animals, located in central Illinois. The shelter has been in existence since 1958, working to re-home dogs and cats in need. In 2012, TAPS re-homed 962 animals and they are on track to adopt out over 1,000 in 2013.
4. The Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association (IAMRA) is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charity that is dedicated to the welfare of the Alaskan Malamute. IAMRA is an affiliate of the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL), which is the recognized rescue of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. We provide assistance through dog rescue, foster and adoption, owner retention, and behavioral issues.

Indiana

1. Pet Refuge is a not for profit, no-kill animal shelter established in April 1978 and based in Mishawaka, Indiana. Pet Refuge is run by volunteers for the placement of unwanted and abandoned pets into responsible, permanent homes.

Maryland

1. Paws for Life is an all-volunteer run, non-profit animal rescue organization located in Chesapeake City, Maryland and serving Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their mission is to rescue loving, pet-quality dogs from death row at local shelters who are scheduled for euthanasia simply because of a lack of space. They provide needed care and try to match them to the perfect home based on their compatibility, though there is no time limit imposed to find a home.

Massachusetts

1. Northeast Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill shelter in Salem, MA re-homing more than 4,600 dogs and cats each year. With their innovative Saving Pets Across America program, many pets who were once scheduled to be euthanized get the second chance they deserve when they arrive at NEAS.  Their community programs, along with their spay/neuter efforts and adoption center help them reach their goals each year. NEAS receives no local, state, or federal funding and relies solely on donations from supporters.

Missouri

1. Wayside Waifs is a non-profit shelter in Kansas City, Missouri that is dedicated to finding homes for all pets. Wayside is the largest no kill pet adoption campus in Kansas City, placing approximately 5,400 animals each year. Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in their care. Only animals suffering from such significant medical issues that they cannot be saved or those that pose a danger to others and themselves are humanely euthanized.

Nebraska

1. Hearts United for Animals is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the relief of suffering. They are a no-kill shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization. The dogs at Hearts United for Animals share large yards where they are able to play freely in the 65 acre farm of trees and grass. Two of their specialties are emergency medical assistance and puppy mill recoveries.

New Jersey

1. The Animal Adoption Center is a South New Jersey, no-kill shelter for companion animals. They are a non-profit organization that aims to save and care for abandoned or unwanted animals in a no-kill environment until they find families and to provide spay/neuter services so that other unwanted animals are not created.

New York

1. Dog House Adoptions is a rescue that offers a comprehensive solution to the abundance of stray dogs in the community by caring for dogs who need our help now and educating the public to protect dogs of the future. They strongly believe in collaborating with other likeminded organizations to achieve even better outcomes. They commit to finding forever homes for all dogs brought to them and adhere to the philosophy that dogs are not throw away items and loving dog/human connections should be facilitated.
2. Bideawee is the leading pet welfare and adoption organization serving metropolitan New York. Founded in 1903, they are among the nation’s oldest animal welfare and adoption organizations. They have facilities in New York City and two on Long Island and have over 500 volunteers and 96 employees. They use a vast array of traditional and innovative programs to accompany pets and pet lovers through their entire journey through life together.
3. Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC) is a 501(c)3 shelter in Brooklyn, New York established in 1987. They comfortably house about 20 dogs and 30 cats at a time. Most of BARC’s rescues come from the streets and from the city pound, especially immediately before euthanasia. They have worked with several notable celebrities on adoptions, including Bernadette Peters, Lena Dunham, Cat Greenleaf, Joel Gray and Cheyenne Jackson.
4. Animal Farm Foundation is a not-for-profit rescue organization dedicated to taking in pit bulls and re-homing them, as well as working to secure equal treatment and opportunity for them. They are located in Dutchess County, New York, though they work nationwide on behalf of pit bulls.
5. North Shore Animal League America is the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, having saved over 1,000,000 dogs and cats’ lives since beginning in 1944. They are an innovator in animal welfare, committing to rescue and rehabilitate all animals and create a more sustainable world for them. They rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters and from owners who are no longer able to care for them. They also provide affordable veterinary care and dog training services.
6. Hubbard’s Hounds is a nonprofit 501(c)3 rescue organization dedicated to taking in dogs of all ages, all conditions, and all breeds and never euthanize due to space issues. They rescue dogs from puppy mills, kill shelters and sometimes owner turn ins.

North Carolina

1. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is the largest no-kill animal rescue in Western North Carolina. They take in a little over 3,000 orphaned cats and dogs each year. They are guided by Nathan Winograd’s “No Kill Equation,” enabling them to save thousands of lives each year.
2. Happy Hills Animal Foundation was born 31 years ago out of a dream for a better option for helpless and homeless animals. They are committed to a no-kill philosophy and are one of two shelters in Randolph County, NC. The other shelter is a high-kill facility with an over 85% euthanasia rate.

Oregon

1.  SafeHaven Humane Society is a 501(c)3 no-kill rescue organization located in Albany, Oregon, dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for all animals entrusted in their care and to helping the community’s residents to be the best “humane” beings they can be. They do this by providing: compassionate temporary shelter care resulting in healthy and adoptable animals; information; education and understanding; and spay and neuter programs. They are committed to not using euthanasia to control population and allow a pet to stay with them for however long it takes to find them a forever home.

South Carolina

1. Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 rescue and adoption center and low cost spay/neuter center in Charleston, SC. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs by sheltering rescued animals until adoption; providing low-cost spay/neuter; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation.

Utah

1. Best Friends Animal Society is a no-kill animal rescue with a mission to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets. This includes a truly unique sanctuary located in Angel Canyon, taking in homeless, ill or neglected animals. They are also active in animal advocacy and education, as well as operate spay/neuter programs.

Washington

1. Homeward Pet is a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter serving the Seattle area. Their mission is to give homeless animals a second chance through rescue, shelter and adoption programs.
2. North Beach Paws is the largest No Kill animal shelter in Grays Harbor County. They are completely staffed by volunteers and are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since opening in 2002, they have rehomed thousands of pets, provided and assisted with many spay and neuter clinics and made emergency pet care possible when needed.

Wisconsin

1. Saving Paws Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned and special needs animals and finding adoptive homes or lifelong sanctuary for them.

US Territories

1. The Sato Project is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned and abused animals in Puerto Rico. One of their most famous projects is The Dead Dog Beach Project, rescuing dogs from a beach that is famous for being a dumping ground for abandoned dogs to die or be abused. They also work to rescue animals from being euthanized as many of the shelters in Puerto Rico have a euthanasia rate of 99%! In addition, they run heart worm prevention projects and campaigns to educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter and respecting animal life.

International

1. Pomeranian and Small Breed Rescue is a network of 40 unpaid volunteers in Ontario, Canada dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming every rescue in their care. All of their dogs are placed in carefully selected foster homes, where they are socialized and any behavioral or medical problems are addressed. Since their founding, in 2001, 600 deserving dogs have been successfully rehomed.
2. Soi Dog Foundation is a non-profit, legally registered charitable organization, working to rescue the homeless, neglected and abused dogs and cats of Thailand. Their aim is to set an example for the Asian region on how to humanely reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats through spaying and neutering, and to better the lives and living conditions of the stray dogs and feral cats of Asia. They have sterilized over 49,139 dogs and cats as of March, 2013.
3. Dierenasiel Animal Shelter Bonaire is the only animal shelter and humane society on the island of Bonaire, in the Dutch Caribbean. They have a free spay/neuter campaign. Unfortunately, not ever dog and cat owner chooses to use it and end up dropping their pets off at the shelter or, worse, at the local landfill. With a small crew and a big group of volunteers, they are doing their best to help all of the pets of Bonaire.
4. CANDi International works to save the lives of stray cats and dogs in Mexico and the Caribbean, though spay, neuter, adoption and educational programs, supported and funded by the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers.

Other Relevant Animal Welfare Programs

1. Fido Finder is the largest public database of lost dogs. Lost dog owners and finders can post classified ads, search listings, and print posters.
2. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866 and was the first animal welfare organization in North America. They serve as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than 2 million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a non-profit organization, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services.
3. Hope for Paws is a husband and wife rescue team run by Eldad and Audrey Hagar. They have fostered hundreds of animals in their home in the past eight years. Their goal is to educate people on the importance of companion animals in our society, especially through their many educational and often heart rending videos.
4. Wetnose Animal Aid is an animal aid organization that works to provide support to animal rescue organizations and projects worldwide. They especially try to aid the smaller organizations that people often do not know about and often use celebrity partnerships to achieve publicity to the cause of these smaller rescues.
5. New Leash on Life, USA is an innovative dog training program that rescues dogs that would otherwise be euthanized and trains and socializes them to be more adoptable while also helping inmates learn to train and care for dogs.  During the program, dogs live in the cells with their inmate trainers 24/7, making New Leash dogs highly desirable for adoption and ensuring the long-term success for both canines and humans.
6. Animals Vote is a not for profit organization advocating for legislative changes and the creation of policies that will eventually lead to a “No Kill” nation. They are currently working on the “No Kill Mondays” campaign for high kill shelters to promise not to euthanize on Mondays.
7. Dogs in Danger is a site for high kill shelters to place dogs on that are approaching euthanasia in order to give them a better chance at being adopted, even if in another locale, before being killed.